Page 67 of Player Misconduct
“Welcome back, new dads and dad-to-bes. Let’s talk about the emotional roller coaster that starts before your baby is even born.”
I sink onto the couch, with a notebook. There’s no option to screw up. I have to do everything right and I owe it to my father to be the kind of dad he showed me how to be. The only problem? I have no idea how to be a dad to a brand newinfant, and even less idea on how to make sure that Kendall is supported.
They talk about patience, communication, and how to support your partner when she’s exhausted or scared. Every word feels personal. Kendall doesn’t need my panic. She needs my calm.
The host says,“The biggest thing is to show up—even when she tells you she doesn’t need you to.”
I pause the episode and stare at the screen. That part hits hard and I wish this was live so I could ask exactly how I can do this, but I know that the answer is likely different for everyone. I’ll have to ask her. The only trouble with that is that Kendall isn’t exactly an open book when it comes to telling me her feelings or thoughts on pretty much anything that has to do with her or us.
I open my notes app and start a new list as the podcaster starts to list them off.
THINGS I SHOULD PROBABLY LEARN:
How to install a car seat… the proper way.
How to swaddle (find a video on this)
Purple crying… what the hell is that?
What contractions actually look like and how to stop braxton hicks
Foods pregnant women can’t eat, cravings, food aversions
Preparing for the hospital stay, Go-Bag, natural birth vs. cesarean and preparing for both
The importance of skin to skin at birth, and talking to baby so they recognize your voice
Safe sex, horny second trimester
